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‘Giant’ Swap Ahead For River Cats?

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WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Rumors are spreading that the Sacramento River Cats could be looking to swap major league affiliations.

In an article released Saturday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that, in spite of the success enjoyed by both the River Cats and Oakland A’s since the Triple-A club moved to Raley Field, the River Cats are looking into changing their affiliation to San Francisco.

Among other reasons, the report suggested that the River Cats would like to take advantage of how the Giants enjoy more popularity across Northern California. Even with their affiliation with Oakland, who regularly circles the bottom of MLB attendance, the River Cats have managed to lead the minor leagues in attendance numbers for eight straight years. Oakland is currently 27 out of 30 in attendance this season; San Francisco ranks 4th.

The River Cats acknowledged Sunday that their player development contract with Oakland is expiring after this year.

Team spokesperson Mark Ling said the River Cats’ success comes from looking at ways to improve their product. But, would the Giants be the right move?

“Financially, I don’t know what the right answer is – you know wins and losses wise, I don’t know what the right answer is. It’s up to the people more important than me to decide,” Ling said.

The team will be performing an internal evaluation once the season is over.

San Francisco’s agreement with their own Triple-A team, the Fresno Grizzlies, also expires at the end of this season.

Both Oakland and San Francisco have not commented on the report as of Sunday afternoon.